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End of Tale for Baby Whale

Stranded humpback calf put down after nuzzling Sidney ships

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Aug 22, 2008 5:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – A lost baby humpback whale who broke the world's heart when it nuzzled ships near Sydney was put down today with an overdose of anesthetic, reports the Australian. Experts say the calf, dubbed Colin, had no chance of surviving. The whale had been attacked by sharks and needed several months of nursing, which Australian marine facilities could not provide. Critics blasted the decision to kill the calf, who thrashed and bucked as it died, witnesses said.

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The abandoned whale calf that spent nearly a week bonding with boats in Sydney waters was euthanized by wildlife officials today after veterinarians determined it was too weak to survive on its own. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

An unidentified veterinarian, center, from Taronga Zoo holds a syringe after giving a sedative to an abandoned and lost baby humpback whale in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Aug. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

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It was an absolutely tragic end where we were hoping against hope that we could have a better outcome. - John Dengate, Australia National Parks and Wildlife spokesman

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End of Tale for Baby Whale